True hikers are guaranteed to get their money’s worth in Maasmechelen. Maasmechelen is divided into three large parts: the Hoge Kempen National Park, the Maas Valley River Park, and the village centre. Of these three parts, two are real hiking paradises in the middle of nature. Would you like to go for a brisk hike? Then keep reading.
Long-distance hike in the Maas Valley River Park
The long-distance hike in the Maas Valley River Park has a total length of 136.4 km, which is approximately 35 hours of hiking for experienced hikers. Along wilderness areas, fields and pastures, orchards, ponds, meadows and, of course, the Maas. The entire hike is signposted in two directions and can be divided into shorter stages. There are also many starting points from which you can hike part of the trail. The hike passes several Maas villages with plenty of opportunities to have a pleasant drink or spend the night in one of the many B&Bs or hotels.
Long-distance hike in the Hoge Kempen National Park
The long-distance hike in the national park is signposted in two directions and comprises a trail of 110 km. Discover the great variety in Belgium’s only national park thanks to this hike. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are recommended for those who venture out on this tour. The National Park Trail is divided into four day stages and a fifth half-day stage. This is, of course, only a suggestion. You can enter and leave the trail at various places along the trail.
GR561
The GR561 is a long-distance hike through Maasmechelen, visiting both well-known and lesser-known places. The GR561 Kempen-Maasland trail starts in Diest and runs via Geel, Lommel, Valkenswaard, Bocholt, and Maasmechelen to Maastricht. The GR561 accounts for 221 km of unpaved and car-free paths. Of course, this trail can be divided into stages, so that you can hike it in several days, or you can also hike just a part of the trail. In that case, we recommend the Maasmechelen section of the stage.